With the NBA Cup Finals on deck against the New York Knicks, the Austin Spurs-the G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs-have made a timely move, acquiring the rights to veteran guard Elfrid Payton.
Payton, a former top-10 NBA Draft pick, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation as a steady, pass-first floor general. After spending his first eight seasons in the NBA, Payton’s journey has taken him across multiple leagues and rosters since 2022.
He’s seen action in Puerto Rico, and more recently, suited up for the G League affiliates of the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans. He also earned brief NBA call-ups last season, appearing in 24 combined games with the Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets.
Across his nine NBA seasons and 524 games, Payton has averaged 9.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. His most productive campaign came in 2016-17, when he posted 12.8 points, 6.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game-numbers that reflect the kind of all-around impact he can still offer when given the opportunity.
What’s held Payton back in today’s perimeter-heavy game is his outside shooting. His career 28.6% mark from three has made it tough for him to consistently stretch defenses, which is a critical skill in modern NBA offenses. Still, there’s no questioning his ability to run an offense, set the table for teammates, and bring a veteran presence to the backcourt.
For the Spurs organization, this move adds valuable depth to a system that prioritizes ball movement and high-IQ play. With the potential for injuries to key guards like De’Aaron Fox or Stephon Castle, Payton could be a reliable plug-and-play option should the need arise.
For now, though, it’s back to the grind in the G League, where Payton will look to prove he still belongs on the big stage. And if his past production is any indication, he’s more than capable of making that case.